The White House reportedly requested that the U.S. Navy move the warship — named USS John S. McCain for the late senator — "out of sight" during President Trump's state visit to Japan over Memorial Day weekend, per an email obtained by the Wall Street Journal.
The bottom line: It's unclear why the White House wanted the ship to be moved "out of sight," but the WSJ reports that the directive resulted from conversations between the White House Military Office and the Seventh Fleet of the U.S. Navy. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan was aware of the concern "and approved measures to ensure it didn’t interfere with the president’s visit."
I was not informed about anything having to do with the Navy Ship USS John S. McCain during my recent visit to Japan. Nevertheless, @FLOTUS and I loved being with our great Military Men and Women - what a spectacular job they do!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2019
Details: The warship is in the thick of extensive repairs following a 2017 collision. The restoration process normally would have made it difficult to move the ship, but following the White House directive, the Navy covered the ship with a tarp before relocating it, per WSJ. Sailors aboard the ship — who often wear hats donning the ship's name — reportedly received the day off during Trump's visit.
Context: McCain was one of the few Republican senators to publicly challenge Trump, most memorably by voting against the repeal of Obamacare. Since McCain died in August 2018, Trump has repeatedly attacked the senator.
What they're saying: McCain's daughter and The View co-host Meghan McCain tweeted Wednesday evening, "Trump is a child who will always be deeply threatened by the greatness of my dads incredible life. There is a lot of criticism of how much I speak about my dad, but nine months since he passed, Trump won't let him RIP. So I have to stand up for him. It makes my grief unbearable."
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the responses of President Trump and Meghan McCain.
